JP2017192736A - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To significantly reduce a usage amount of water and improve processing capabilities in a continuous batch tunnel washer.SOLUTION: The method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake part of the washer to the discharge part of the washer through first and second sectors having a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed along a flow path a direction of which is generally opposite to a direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, pre-rinsing and/or rinsing is carried out. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device and excess water is removed. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

<Inventor>
Poi, Russell H. : United States citizen, United States 70113 Louisiana, New Orleans, Baronne Street 601, Number 3 Bee Garofaro, Samuel: United States citizen, United States 28214 North Carolina, Charlotte, Grays Creek Lane 608
<Assignee>
Perelin Milner Corporation: United States Louisiana Corporation, United States 70063 Louisiana, Kenner, Jackson Street 700, Pea. Oh. Box 400
<Description of related applications>
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 171,682, filed April 22, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Claims priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 298,818, filed Jan. 27, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.
<Description of research and development funded by the federal government>
Not applicable <Quoting Microfish Appendix>
Not applicable

<Background of the invention>
1. The present invention relates to a continuous batch washing machine or a tunnel washing machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved method for washing textile products or fabric articles (e.g., clothes, linens, etc.) in a continuous batch multi-module tunnel washing machine. The module or zone is sequentially transferred to the next module or zone. These zones include dual use zones that can be used for both cleaning and rinsing. Alternatively, all modules can be part of a heavy use zone (ie, pre-wash, main wash, and rinse). After the final module, the fabric article is sent to a liquid extraction device (such as a press or centrifuge) to remove excess moisture. In one embodiment, the dual use zone can function as 1) a standing bath for washing fabric articles and 2) a rinse zone using counter-flow rinse. In one embodiment, the final zone is a finishing zone where finishing chemicals are added to the fabric article. In other examples, an acidic solution is added to the fabric article (eg, by spraying) while the fabric article is in the extractor. In the present invention, since the multi-use zone or the dual use zone is used, it is not necessary to separate the cleaning module and the rinsing module.

2. Overall Background of the Invention Currently, laundry on a commercial scale is performed in a continuous batch tunnel washer. Such continuous batch tunnel washing machines are known (eg, US Pat. No. 5,454,237) and are commercially available (www.milnor.com). Continuous batch washing machines have multiple sectors, zones, stages, or modules, which include pre-cleaning, cleaning, rinsing and finishing zones.

  In commercial continuous batch tunnel washing machines, a constant counter flow of liquid may be used. Following such machines are centrifugal extractors or mechanical presses that remove most of the liquid from the laundry prior to drying the laundry. Some machines carry a particular zone or zones along with the laundry.

  When counterflow is used, the fabric article or textile is in the main wash module zone for all the time that the counterflow exists. Since this method dilutes the cleaning chemical, the effectiveness of the cleaning chemical is reduced.

The final rinse in a continuous batch washing machine is performed using a centrifugal extractor or a mechanical press. In conventional systems, where a centrifugal extractor is used, it is generally necessary to rotate the extractor at a first low speed designed to remove soiled water prior to final extraction. .
Patents relating to batch-type washing machines or tunnel washing machines include the following, and each listed patent is incorporated herein by reference.

US Pat. No. 4,236,393: Continuous batch tunnel washer, issued December 2, 1980. US Pat. No. 4,630,090: Process control method and apparatus, issued December 7, 1982. US Pat. No. 4,485,509: Continuous batch tunnel washing machine and method for operating the washing machine, issued December 4, 1984. US Patent 4522046: Continuous batch washing system, issued June 11, 1985. US Pat. No. 5211039: Continuous batch washing machine, issued May 18, 1993. US Pat. No. 5,454,237: Continuous batch washing machine, issued October 3, 1995.

<Summary of the invention>
The present invention improves the method for washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washing machine. The continuous batch type tunnel washing machine provided by this method has an interior, an intake, an discharge, and a plurality of modules. Fractionation into zones including zones.

  The dual or multi-use zone allows each module to be used for multiple functions (pre-cleaning, main cleaning, rinsing, finishing). As part of this method, the fabric article is transferred from the intake to the discharge and passes sequentially through the module. These modules include dual use modules, each functioning as both a cleaning module and a rinsing module. The method of the present invention creates a counterflow of liquid within the washing machine during rinsing, which counterflow includes several interrupted counterflows. The counterflow is along a path that is substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the fabric article.

  In the final module, the fabric article is transferred to the water extractor via the discharge section. The extractor is used to remove excess moisture from fabric articles discharged from a continuous batch tunnel washer. As part of this method, the acidic solution can flow through the fabric article while extracting excess moisture.

  Thus, the continuous batch type tunnel washing machine of the present invention can greatly reduce the amount of water used and improve the processing capacity. For example, typical water usage is about 0.3 to 0.36 gallons per pound (2.4 to 3.0 liters per kilogram) for light to medium soils, and per pound for heavy soils. Approximately 0.42 to 0.6 gallons (3.5 to 5.0 liters per kilogram).

  In the present invention, a dual-purpose module that can efficiently release and remove dirt is used. In the case of the present invention, there is no module dedicated to cleaning or rinsing, except for the last module dedicated to finishing chemicals. In other words, all modules other than the last module are for both purposes. Typically, the first 50 to 75% of the transfer rate (time between transfers) is a free standing tank for cleaning. The last 25-50% is too high speed counter flow. For example, a flow that can maintain a high speed is about 50 to 150 gallons per minute (189 to 568 liters per minute).

  In a freestanding tank module, chemical equilibrium is achieved in less than 1 minute, preferably less than 30-40 seconds (eg, about 1-3 reversals). A reversal is a complete rotation of the drum.

  In the chemical equilibrium state, the chemical energy (alkaline pressure) and the soil release effect of mechanical action in this tank are almost complete. The suspended dirt is effectively removed (rinsed) by the high-speed counter flow.

  In the present invention, well controlled (metered) water is provided. All water inlets are measured so that precise injection volumes can be achieved with each function of soaking in the water in the module (11), making up fresh water, and rinsing at high speed. All water inlets except the fresh water replenishment water inlet are preferably pumped. With this configuration, it is possible to eliminate any fluctuations in the water flow that can frequently occur due to fluctuations in the pressure of the incoming water. For example, the pumped water stream is maintained at a pressure of about 25-30 p.s.i. (1.7-2.1 bar) and a flow rate of 75-150 per minute (284-568 liters per minute). Although fresh water is always subject to water pressure fluctuations, in the present invention such fluctuations are minimized by the stabilization tank.

The present invention provides high speed counter flow. This high-speed counter flow consists of extracted water and fresh water. The flow rate at the high-speed counterflow water inlet is typically based on a flow of about 30 seconds and a specific ratio with the following soil classification:
Light dirt is 0.30 to 0.42 gallons per pound of linen (2.5 to 3.5 liters per kilogram).
Medium dirt is 0.42 to 0.54 gallons per pound of linen (3.5 to 4.5 liters per kilogram).
Severe dirt is 0.54 to 0.66 gallons per pound of linen (4.5 to 5.5 liters per kilogram).

  By operating the valves in order at the start of the counterflow, the counterflow speed is increased and the rinsing efficiency is improved. In high-speed counter flow, the water injection valve opens first. After a few seconds (eg about 5 seconds), the flow stop valve opens. This immediately increases the water head resulting in counterflow rinsing.

  The resulting flow yields the greatest rinsing within the weir capacity, with a typical flow rate of about 100 gallons per minute (379 liters per minute) for a tunnel washing machine with a capacity of 150 pounds In a tunnel washing machine with a capacity of 250 pounds (115 kilograms), it is 150 gallons per minute (568 liters per minute).

  The maximum length of each zone is about 8 modules. With this configuration, the effect of high-speed counter flow can be obtained with certainty. The high-speed counter-flow zone is sized to be incorporated into the structure necessary to meet any special temperature and sterilization time requirements.

  The present invention removes suspended dirt quickly due to the high-speed counterflow and the “top transfer effect”, resulting in increased rinsing efficiency. The "upward transfer effect" is a drainage action, where a perforated scoop lifts the laundry out of one tub and moves them to the next clean tub. Leave about half of the water). This configuration corresponds to drainage and water injection in a washing machine and a washer-extractor. These two effects (high-speed counter-flow rinsing and upward transfer effects) and their combined effects are shown in FIG. The intensity of chemical agents is increased by virtual freestanding tank cleaning. Once chemical equilibrium is achieved, the upward transfer effect has the highest dilution factor for rinsing suspended dirt due to the combined action of the faster counter-flow rinse effect.

  In the present invention, the number of modules to be used can be reduced. The present invention provides performance comparable to a conventional 10-module tunnel washer in a 8-module continuous batch or tunnel washer.

  In one embodiment, the recirculation pump causes water in the recirculation loop to flow from the bottom of the first module shell to a linen chute. By using the module's own water instead of fresh water, this device can reduce the overall water usage by approximately 1 L / Kg. The recirculation pump can produce a powerful water flow with a flow rate of 60 to 100 gallons per minute (227 to 379 liters per minute). With this strong water flow, one cylinder can be reversed in about 10 seconds to wet the entire linen laundry. In contrast, the total transfer time conventionally required 1.5 to 3 minutes. In the present invention, most of the transfer time in the first module is used as a working module, whereas the first module in a conventional tunnel-type washing machine or continuous batch-type washing machine wets linen. It was only used for. Thus, the production rate of the continuous batch washer (CBW) is improved by 5% to 20%.

  For a further understanding of the nature, objects and advantages of the present invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description taken together with the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph showing a comparison between the flow rate and the rinsing flow.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of the method and apparatus of the present invention.

<Detailed Description of the Invention>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a textile washing apparatus according to the present invention, and the whole is denoted by reference numeral (10). The washing device (10) is a continuous batch type or tunnel type washing machine (11), and has an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (13).

  The tunnel washing machine (11) shown in FIG. 1 comprises several modules, sections or zones (14)-(18). These modules (14)-(18) include a first module (14) and a second module (15) which are pre-cleaning modules. The plurality of modules (14)-(18) can also include modules (16), (17), (18), in that these modules have the functions of both a main washing module and a rinsing module. This is a module for both main washing and rinsing. All of the modules (14)-(18) may be dual-purpose modules. For example, modules (14) and (15) can function as pre-cleaning modules, modules (16), (17) and (18) can function as main cleaning modules, and all modules (14)-(18) can function as rinsing modules. it can. In the case of a “pre-clean” module (14) and / or (15), the desired pre-clean chemistry can be added. The main cleaning chemical is added to the modules (16) (17) (18).

  The total number of modules (14)-(18) is approximately five as shown in FIG. Instead of two or three pre-clean sections, a single module (14) can be used as an alternative to the pre-clean module, section or zone.

  The inlet end (12) can be provided with a hopper (19) for taking in the textile or fabric article to be washed. Examples of such fabric articles, textile products, and laundry include clothing, linen, and towels. An extractor (20) is disposed adjacent to the exit end (13) of the tunnel washing machine (11). A flow line is provided for adding water and / or chemicals (eg, cleaning chemicals, detergents, etc.) to the tunnel washing machine (11).

  Initially, when fabric articles or linen is fed into the main wash module (14) (15) (16) (17) (18), a portion of the batch transfer time (ie, the fabric article / linen is The counter flow is interrupted during the time that it remains in the module before being transferred to the subsequent module. By using this interrupted counter flow for a portion of the batch transfer time (eg, between about 50% and 90%, preferably about 75%), each module (14 ) (15) (16) (17) (18) function as separate batches.

  If the counter flow is stopped when the modules (16), (17), and (18) are functioning as the main cleaning module, a self-supporting tank for the cleaning process is essentially generated and the cleaning chemical undergoes dilution by the counter flow These functions can be sufficiently performed without any problems. In the last part of the transfer time (eg, the last 25%), the counter flow is returned and pumped at a high flow rate (eg, about 300 to 400 percent of the normal flow rate, or about 35 to 105 gallons per minute) (132 to 397 liters per minute), see FIG.

  In Figure 2, the transfer time is about 6 minutes at a flow rate of about 35 gallons per minute (132 liters per minute), whereas the transfer time is about 2 minutes at a flow rate of about 105 gallons per minute (397 liters per minute). is there. This high flow rate is higher than the flow rate of a conventional machine that uses the counter flow full time. For example, a conventional machine that uses counter flow full time typically uses a flow rate of about 10 to 30 gallons per minute (38 to 114 liters per minute) (see FIG. 2), and a full rinse head (full rinsing hydraulic head) is created. The present invention saves money and floor space by eliminating the need for additional modules dedicated to rinsing and finishing functions in response to the needs of the prior art.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the whole being denoted by reference numeral (10). The textile washing apparatus (10) is shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a method for washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washing machine.

  The textile washing apparatus (10) includes a tunnel washing machine (11). The tunnel washing machine (11) has an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (13). The interior (31) of the tunnel washing machine (11) is divided into sections or modules. These modules can include modules (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) and can include additional modules.

  The hopper (19) is disposed at the inlet end (12). The hopper (19) can take in the fabric articles to be washed.

  A water extractor (20) (eg, a press or centrifugal extractor) is placed next to the discharge (32) of the fabric article. The fabric articles are discharged from the tunnel type washing machine (11) and placed in the extractor (20), and the extractor (20) removes excess moisture or extracted moisture from the fabric articles. . The extractor (20) is commercially available and is typically a centrifugal extractor or a press.

  Modules (14)-(18) in FIG. 1 are dual-use modules, and include one or more pre-cleaning modules such as (14) (15) and one or more main cleaning modules (16), (17), (18). ). All five modules (14-18) can function as rinse modules. When functioning as a main wash or free standing tank, the counterflow through line (29) can be slowed or stopped for a period of time. The counterflow then starts again during rinsing. Water flows into each module through the flow line (29). In FIG. 1, the flow line (29) enters the module (18) and then passes through the modules (17), (16), (15) and (14) in that order. The flow is fed into the bottom shell of the last module (18) in FIG. Water flows from the last module (18) to the previous module (17) over the weir of the module (18) and into a pipe or flow line connected to the module (17). Similarly, water flows from module (17) over the weir of module (17) to a pipe or flow line connected to module (16). Water flows from module (16) over the weir of module (16) to a pipe or flow line connected to module (15). Water flows from module (15) over the weir of module (15) to a pipe or flow line connected to module (14). However, in FIG. 1, the flow of countercurrent water is shown schematically by the flow line (29) to traverse the modules (18), (17), (16), (15) and (14) in this order.

  The water storage tank (21) may be a freshwater storage tank. The acidic solution and / or finishing chemical is delivered from the acidic solution inflow line (22) and injected into the tank (21). Through the flow line (23), the acidic solution and / or the finishing solution is sent from the tank (21) to the interior (33) of the extractor (20) as shown by the arrow (27). The finishing solution may be any desired or known finishing solution, such as a starch solution or an antifungal agent. An example of a starch solution is “Turbocrisp (trade name)” manufactured by Textile Care Division of Ecolab, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota. An example of an antifungal agent is “Nomold” manufactured by Textile Care Division of Ecolab, Inc. (www.ecolab.com).

  The extracted water tank (24) is arranged so as to accommodate the water extracted from the extractor (20). The flow line (30) is a flow line for transferring water from the extractor (20) to the tank (24). Water placed in the tank (24) can be recycled through the flow line (28) or (29). The acidic solution is injected from the acidic solution inflow tank (25) into (24). Fresh water is added to the tank (24) through the fresh water inflow line (26). The flow line (28) is a recirculation line, and water extracted from the tank (24) is transferred to the hopper (19) through the flow line (28). Another recirculation flow line is the flow line (29). Through the flow line (29), the water extracted from the tank (24) is transferred to the interior (31) of the tunnel washing machine (11), which starts from the last module (18) As shown, the modules (17), (16), (15), and (14) flow in order.

  In the continuous batch tunnel washing apparatus (10) of FIG. 1, five modules (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) are shown as an example. The temperature of each of the modules (14)-(18) is shown as an example. The temperature of module (14) is about 110 ° F. (43 ° C.). The temperature of the module (15) is about 100 ° F. (38 ° C.). In the example of FIG. 1, each module (14) (15) can be part of a pre-clean. These modules may also be dual-use modules. In such a case, these modules form part of the rinse function. In FIG. 1, the rinsing liquid flows back through the flow line (29) to the module (18) and then back to the module (17), module (16), module (15), module (14) and module (14). Then, the rinse water can be discharged through the drain valve or the drain outlet.

  The temperature of module 16 is about 160 ° F. (71 ° C.). The temperature of the module (17) is about 160 ° F. (71 ° C.). The temperature of module 18 is about 160 ° F. (71 ° C.). Modules (14), (15), (16), (17), and (18) may be dual-use modules, and they may define the main washing part and the rinsing part of the tunnel washing machine (11).

  In the example of FIG. 1, the batch size is about 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of textile. The total water usage per pound of cotton product is about 0.4 to 0.62 gallons (3.3 to 5.2 liters per kilogram). The total water usage per pound of “poly” or polycotton (eg, a mixture of cotton and poly or polyester) is about 0.35 to 0.64 gallons (2.9 to 5.3 liters per kilogram). Polycotton is widely used to make various fabric articles (such as bed sheets).

  The capacity of modules (14)-(18) may be different. For example, module (14) may be a 10 gallon (38 liter) module and module (15) may be a 40 gallon (151 liter) module. Module (16) may be a 60 gallon (227 liter) module. Module (17) may be a 66 gallon (250 liter) module, and module (18) has a capacity of about 33 gallon (125 liter).

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the amount of water per kilogram of linen (or fabric article) in liters. In FIG. 2, the flow rate of the rinsing flow (counterflow) is about 105 gallons per minute (397 liters per minute) for about 2 minutes or about 35 gallons per minute (132 liters per minute) for about 6 minutes. Other batch sizes may be, for example, 50 to 300 pounds (23 to 136 kilograms) for fabric articles.

  3-7 are flow diagrams further illustrating the method and apparatus of the present invention. These FIGS. 3-7 show that all finishing chemicals can be added to the last module of a continuous batch washing machine, or CBW, which is generally designated (46). Prior art continuous batch type washing machines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Is incorporated into the present application.

  In FIG. 3, modules (47)-(51) are shown. FIG. 4 discloses modules (47)-(52). 5 to 6, the modules (47) to (53) are shown. In FIG. 7, modules (47)-(58) are shown.

  Each of the washing machines (46) has a hopper (68) from which fabric articles, clothes, linens, etc. can be put into the washing machine. The flow lines of FIGS. 3-7 show the flow of water from the fresh water source (60) or the extracted water tank (63). The flow line (59) is the inlet or inflow flow line in each of the examples of FIGS. 3-7, and fresh water is routed from the fresh water source (60) to the hopper (68).

  3-7, the flow line (64) indicates that extracted water can be added from the tank (63) to the flow line (59). The flow line (62) is a flow line of water or fresh water from the fresh water source (60). The flow line (61) branches into flow lines (66) and (67). In the flow line (67), water flows opposite to the modules (50) (49) (48) (47) (washing and rinsing module in FIG. 3). In the flow line (66), water flows to the module (51) (finishing module). In the flow line (67), water flows opposite to the modules (51) (50) (49) (48) (47) (cleaning and rinsing module in FIG. 4). In the flow line (66), water flows to the module (52) (the finishing module in FIG. 4).

  5 to 6, in the flow line (64), the water flows as a counter flow from the extracted water tank (63) to the modules (49), (48), and (47). The flow line (62) is a fresh water flow line of water from the fresh water source (60). The flow line (61) branches into flow lines (66) and (67). In the flow line (67), water flows opposite to the modules (52) (51) (50). In the flow line (66), water flows to the module (53) (the finishing module in FIGS. 5-6-FIG. 6).

  In FIG. 7, in the flow line (65), water flows from the extracted water tank (63) to the modules (50), (49), (48), and (47). In the flow line (64), water flows from the extracted water tank (63) to the modules (54) (53) (52) (51). In the fresh water flow line (61), water flows from the fresh water source (63) to the flow lines (66) and (67). In the flow line (67), water flows to the modules (57) (56) (55). In the flow line (66), water flows to the module (58) (the finishing module in FIG. 7).

  3 to 7 are examples of flow diagrams using the method and apparatus of the present invention. For each example, the various parameters include batch size (Kg), total water usage per kilogram (L / Kg) for cotton and poly, transfer rate, and percentage of free standing tank. The time (minutes) available for pulse flow rinsing is the required pulse flow volume (liters) and the pulse flow is shown as liters / minute. In each example, it is displayed in gallons / minute.

  These FIGS. 3-7 show that all finishing chemicals can be added to a continuous batch washer (46) (eg, the last module), but a centrifuge or extractor (eg, machine (11)). ) Is not added. In long continuous batch washing machines (eg, FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), the pulse flow can be separated into multiple zones. This is preferable because for a head pressure of more than four modules, the process cannot be easily overcome within a short time allowing pulse flow (eg about 30 to 120 seconds). .

 The rinsing efficiency of the method and apparatus of the present invention is due to two effects, referred to as “pulse flow effect” and “upward transfer effect”, respectively. The “pulse flow effect” is the rapid removal of suspended dirt by a countercurrent flow at high speed and high flow rate (eg, about 100 gallons per minute (379 liters per minute)). The “upward transfer effect” is a drainage action, leaving about half of the free water when lifting the perforated scoop laundry out of one tub and moving them to the next clean tub. This configuration corresponds to drainage and water injection in the washing machine-extractor.

  FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, which is generally designated by reference numeral (70). In FIG. 8, the textile washing apparatus (70) has modules (74)-(81), a recirculation pump (71), and an extractor (82). The recirculation pump (71) used in the washing apparatus (70) flows the water in the recirculation loop flow line (72) from the bottom of the first module shell to the linen charging chute (73). By using the water of the module (74) itself instead of fresh water, the device (70) can reduce the total water usage (eg, approximately 1 L / Kg). The recirculation pump (71) can produce a powerful water stream at a flow rate of about 60-100 gallons per minute (227-379 liters per minute). With this strong water flow, one cylinder can be reversed in about 10 seconds to wet the entire linen laundry. In contrast, the total transfer time conventionally required 1.5 to 3 minutes. In the present invention, most of the transfer time in the first module is used as a work module, whereas the first module in a conventional tunnel type washing machine or continuous batch type washing machine is used only to wet the linen. It was. The throughput of the continuous batch type washing machine 70 (ie, CBW) of FIG. 8 is improved by 5% to 20%.

  The processing time of the tunnel type washing machine of the present invention is shorter than that of the conventional tunnel type washing machine. The dual-use module of the tunnel type washing machine of the present invention exhibits the same function as both the cleaning module and the rinse module in the conventional tunnel type washing machine. Until the laundry enters the finishing module, the washing state of the laundry of the tunnel type washing machine of the present invention is a conventional tunnel type washing machine having the same number of washing modules as the two modules of the tunnel type washing machine of the present invention. Compared to or better than laundry.

  Conventional top transfer tunnels with six or fewer modules have one rinse module. An upward transfer tunnel with seven or more modules has two rinse modules. Therefore, the ratio of rinse module to cleaning module varies with conventional tunnels of different sizes. The ratio of rinse function to cleaning function in a pulsed flow tunnel is not affected by tunnel size. Therefore, the difference in the formula length between the traditional upper transfer tunnel recommended by the Textile Rental Service Association and the pulse flow tunnel can be described as a percentage regardless of the tunnel length. According to current field data, this difference is 81%.

Table 1 below lists the processing time of a conventional upper transfer tunnel and the processing time of the tunnel of the present invention corresponding to the processing time, along with the transfer rate for various tunnel sizes.

For each of the following parameters, exemplary minimum and maximum ranges are listed.
<Values in FIGS. 1 to 7>
The batch size (Lb) is about 90 to 150 pounds (41 to 68 kilograms).
The total water consumption (unit: gallon) of cotton is about 27 to 75 gallons (102 to 284 liters).
The total water usage of poly is about 22.5 to 75 gallons (85 to 284 liters).

The transfer speed is about 2 to 6 minutes.
The free standing tank percentage is about 50 to 75%.
The rinse time (minutes) is about 0.5 to 3 minutes.

The total water consumption of cotton is about 0.3 to 0.5 gal / lb (3 to 4 liters per kilogram) per pound.
The total water usage of poly is about 0.25 to 0.5 gal / lb per pound (2 to 4 liters per kilogram).

The amount of water (cotton and poly) entering the hopper (19) is about 25 to 45 gallons (95 to 170 liters) for cotton and 15 to 28 gallons (57 to 106 liters) for poly.
The amount of water discharged from the tunnel washing machine (11) (cotton and poly) is about 50 to 65 gallons (189 to 246 liters) for both cotton and poly.
The amount of water (cotton and poly) in the extractor (20) before extraction is about 50 to 70 gallons (189 to 265 liters) for cotton and about 35 to 45 gallons (132 to 170 liters) for poly.

The amount of water (cotton and poly) in the extractor (20) after extraction is about 9.9 to 16.5 gallons (37 to 62 liters) for cotton and about 9 to 18 gallons (34 to 68 liters) for poly.
The amount of water (cotton and poly) extracted from the extractor (20) to the extraction water tank (24) is about 40 to 55 gallons (151 to 208 liters) for cotton and about 25 to 28 gallons (95 to 95 liters) for poly. 106 liters).
The amount of water (cotton and poly) from the fresh water inflow line (26) is about 27 to 75 gallons (95 to 284 liters) for cotton and about 22 to 75 gallons (83 to 284 liters) for poly.
The amount of rinse water is about 50 to 65 gallons (189 to 246 liters) for cotton or poly.

  The temperatures in FIG. 1 are about 100 to 130 ° F. (38 to 54 ° C.) for module (14), about 130 to 180 ° F. (54 to 82 ° C.) for module (15), and about 150 to about 150 to 180 ° F (66 to 82 ° C), about 150 to 160 ° F (66 to 71 ° C) for module (17), and about 100 to 130 ° F (38 to 54 ° C) for module (18).

  1-8, exemplary temperatures are shown for each of the modules shown (eg, module (51) in FIG. 3 is 40 ° C., module (52) in FIG. 4 is 40 ° C., FIG. 5 and FIG. The module (53) of 6 is 40 ° C., and the module (58) of FIG.

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention.
<Parts list>
(10) Textile washing machine
(11) Tunnel washing machine
(12) Entrance end
(13) Exit end
(14) Module
(15) Module
(16) Module
(17) Module
(18) Module
(19) Hopper
(20) Extractor
(21) Shimizu tank
(22) Acid solution inflow line
(23) Flow line
(24) Extracted water tank
(25) Acid solution inflow line
(26) Fresh water inflow line
(27) Arrow
(28) Flow line
(29) Flow line
(30) Flow line
(31) Inside
(32) Discharge section
(33) Inside
(46) Textile washing machine
(47) Module
(48) Module
(49) Module
(50) Module
(51) Module
(52) Module
(53) Module
(54) Module
(55) Module
(56) Module
(57) Module
(58) Module
(59) Flow line
(60) Water source
(61) Flow line
(62) Flow line
(63) Tank
(64) Flow line
(65) Flow line
(66) Flow line
(67) Flow line
(68) Hopper
(70) Textile washing machine
(71) Recirculation pump
(72) Recirculation loop flow line
(73) Linen input chute
(74) Module
(75) Module
(76) Module
(77) Module
(78) Module
(79) Module
(80) Module
(81) Module
(82) Extractor

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and sea level unless otherwise specified.
The foregoing examples are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (29)

A method of washing fabric articles in a continuous batch tunnel washing machine,
a) preparing a continuous batch tunnel washing machine having an interior, an intake, a discharge, a plurality of modules, and a liquid;
b) sequentially moving the fabric article from the receiving part to the module;
c) in step b, a plurality of modules defining a dual-use zone;
d) adding a cleaning chemical to the liquid in the dual-use zone;
e) after step d, stopping the counter-flow of rinse liquid inside the washing machine at selected time intervals;
f) generating a counter-flow of rinsing liquid inside the washing machine along a flow path substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the fabric article in steps b and c; and g) after step e, Using to remove excess liquid,
Including the way.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding an acidic solution into the extractor in step g.   The method of claim 1, wherein the counter-flow of step e is about 35 to 105 gallons per minute (133 to 397 liters per minute).   4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the extractor comprises a rotating drum with side walls and end walls, and the spray is directed into the rotating drum.   The method of claim 3, wherein the solution of step g comprises a finishing solution.   The method of claim 1, further comprising heating the liquid in the dual-use zone prior to step d.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of not rinsing with an extractor in step g.   The method of claim 1, wherein the time for which the liquid flow in the amphibious zone is interrupted is less than about 5 minutes.   The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid flow in the dual zone is interrupted for less than about 3 minutes.   The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid flow in the amphibious zone is interrupted for less than about 2 minutes.   The method of claim 1, wherein the time during which the liquid flow in the dual-use zone is interrupted is about 20 seconds to 120 seconds.   The method of claim 6, wherein the liquid is heated to a temperature of about 100 to 190 ° F (38 to 88 ° C).   The method of claim 1, wherein the counterflow of step e passes through a plurality of modules.   The method of claim 1, wherein the dual-use zone includes a plurality of modules.   The method of claim 2, wherein the acidic solution is sprayed. A method for washing fabric articles,
a) preparing a reservoir of cleaning fluid;
b) preparing a continuous batch tunnel washing machine having an interior into which a fabric article is placed and a plurality of modules, one module being an inlet module, one module being an outlet module, one or more A continuous batch tunnel washing machine preparation step, wherein the module is a washing module and one or more modules are rinsing modules;
c) placing the fabric article to be washed in the inlet module;
d) sequentially transferring the fabric articles from one module to the other until the fabric articles move from the entry module to the exit module;
e) pumping cleaning liquid from the reservoir into the washing machine in step d; and f) generating a pulsed flow of fluid to the fabric article at selected time intervals in one or more rinse modules;
A method for washing fabric articles.   17. A method for washing fabric articles according to claim 16, wherein one or more finishing chemicals are added to the outlet module.   The method of washing a fabric article according to claim 16, wherein a pulsed flow is applied to the fabric article in a plurality of modules.   18. A method for washing fabric articles according to claim 17, wherein one of the finishing chemicals is an acidic solution.   17. The method for washing fabric articles according to claim 16, wherein in step f, the fluid is drained below the surface of the water.   21. A method for washing fabric articles according to claim 20, wherein the fluid is directed upward in step f.   17. The method of washing a fabric article according to claim 16, wherein in step f, the fabric article is rinsed with one of the modules and then transferred to the exit module.   17. The method for washing fabric articles according to claim 16, wherein the pulse flow of step f is separated into a plurality of modules that are not washing modules.   17. The method for washing fabric articles according to claim 16, wherein the time interval of step f is about 0.5 minutes to 1.5 minutes.   17. The method for washing fabric articles according to claim 16, wherein the time interval of step f is about 0.5 to 2 minutes. A washing machine and extractor device,
a) a continuous batch washing machine having a reservoir for containing a washing liquid and a fabric article to be washed, comprising a plurality of inlet modules, an outlet module, one or more washing modules, and one or more rinsing modules; A washing machine with a module;
b) In the washing machine, the pound ratio of cleaning liquid to fabric articles is about 4 to 1, but when water is added to the reservoir, the absorbed water is added,
c) A pump that allows pulsing of liquid at selected time intervals in an amount of about 0.5 to 2 gallons per pound of fabric article (4 to 17 liters per kilogram) for the fabric articles of the washing machine. With
d) The pump can deliver water to the washing machine within a selected time interval in an amount of 0.35 to 0.6 gallon per pound of fabric article.
Washing machine and extractor device.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a flow line for adding chemical agent to the reservoir.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the pump produces a fluid flow into the washing machine at a flow rate between about 50 to 150 gallons per minute (189 to 568 liters per minute).   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the water usage is about 1 to 2 gallons per pound of fabric article to be treated (8 to 17 liters per kilogram).

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